LONDON, July 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Paris 2024 Olympics
just one day away, video games are increasingly recognized for
their role in nurturing young sporting talent. A new survey by
nimbl, the leading pocket money card and app for 6 to 18-year-olds,
highlights how video games are helping to shape children's sports
skills and enthusiasm for real-life sports.
Bridging the Gap Between Virtual and Physical Sports
Sports video games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Tony
Hawk's Pro Skater are increasingly recognised for their
educational value. Renowned sports professionals such as
Jadon Sancho (Football),
Ben Simmons (Basketball), and
Erica Bougard (Athletics) play video
games to study skills, game strategies, and fine-tune motor
skills.
A nimbl survey of 410 parents across the UK found that sports
video games have helped 41% of children understand sports rules and
strategies, 37% have seen improvements in cognitive skills such as
problem-solving and teamwork, and 42% in fine motor skills like
reaction times, hand-eye coordination, and anticipation.
Sandy from Epsom, whose 12-year-old daughter Lilly plays
football for her school and local clubs, said, "Gaming has given
her a better understanding of the rules, strategy, and skills she
can develop. It's been great socially, as she can play with family
and friends, learning about teamwork and cooperation."
Inspiring Participation and Passion
Beyond entertainment and skill development, video games inspire
curiosity and passion for sports in children. The immersive nature
of the games allows them to explore new sports, discover new skills
and take risks in a 'safe space.'
The nimbl survey showed action and adventure as the most popular
genre (35%), followed by sports (23%) and online platforms such as
Roblox and Minecraft (11%).
Of those surveyed, 35% of children were inspired to try sports
after playing video games, from football (27%), basketball (5%),
and tennis (3%) to skateboarding (3%), gymnastics (3%), and
motorsports (3%).
Jo from Watford said, "My son
Issac (11) enjoys bowling and playing tennis online and offline.
Gaming has inspired him to try new sports like golf. After playing
a Nintendo golf game, he wanted to go to the driving range and
loved it!"
Finding Balance and Getting Fit
The survey found that 69% of children game over 4 hours a week,
with 28% playing over 10 hours a week. Finding the right balance is
key.
While most parents feel there is no substitute for spending more
time playing sports or getting exercise, 25% said motion-based
video games have improved or maintained their child's physical
fitness, especially for those with disabilities, not participating
in out-of-school activities, or during bad weather.
Summer Boredom Buster Promotion
The Met Office estimated up to 50 wet days this summer, nearly
two days out of every three (TimeOut). To keep young minds active,
nimbl has launched a Summer Boredom Buster promotion. From July to
September, nimbl is giving away an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo
Switch OLED Model in weekly and daily prize draws.
Alana Parsons, nimbl Chief
Executive, explains, "Our survey found 42% of parents spent over
£500 on gaming equipment, with 8% spending over £1000. With many
families feeling the pinch and putting off holidays, our Summer
Boredom Buster promotion aims to bring some fun on rainy days!
"Recognising the educational and inspirational value of video
games, we can foster well-rounded athletes and inspire lifelong
passion for sports."
Notes to Editor
Full release here.
About nimbl
nimbl is an award-winning pocket money card and app, designed
with parents, carers, and young people in mind.
https://www.nimbl.com/
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SOURCE nimbl